Alternative investments
Usually the preserve of collectors, alternative investments such as art and wine provide diversification, so can have a place in large portfolios. But most are considered volatile and high risk, so are best suited to experienced investors.
Recent articles
(3)
(15 April 09)
The contemporary art boom has proved itself to be just another bubble. And not before time, says Merryn Somerset Webb - art has everything you don't want in an investment.
(28 November 08)
This is not the time to be pouring your life savings into speculative investments, but if you're keen to start a new hobby, comics and James Bond memorabilia are two examples of collections that you can can build up cheaply.
(18 November 08)
Wine, art and antiques may sound like good investment ideas, says Merryn Somerset Webb, but they're not. They may very well be entertaining hobbies, but you shouldn't be betting your financial future on whether people's tastes will still favour Château de Chassily in a few years' time.